By Ivan Mwine
City businessman John Ssebalamu and popular events promoter Abbey Musinguzi aka Abtex are in deep trouble following the death of at least nine people during a stampede that occurred at Freedom City, a renowned city hangout, on New Year’s Eve.
According to credible sources, the police have since summoned Ssebalamu and Abtex to explain what caused the tragedy, which led to the loss of so many lives, among them children.
It is alleged that the stampede erupted at the facility at midnight when the organisers started shooting fireworks, which resulted into some revellers scattering in different directions, thinking it were bullets being shot.
Ssebalamu as the owner of the facility and Abtex, who was the event organiser under his company Abtex Promotions, are wanted by the police to explain why they didn’t put in place conditions to avoid such a tragedy.
There are also allegations that the venue was overcrowded, which is suspected to have led to the stampede, hence the authorities want to establish how many people were at Freedom City and whether or not the event organisers overstretched the sitting capacity of the venue.
According to ASP Luke Owoyesigire, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, the Katwe Territorial Police are investigating an incident of rash and neglect that occurred at a New Year’s Eve event at the Freedom City Mall Namasuba and resulted in the deaths of nine people, including several juveniles.
“It is alleged that the incident occurred at midnight when the event’s MC encouraged attendees to go outside and watch the fireworks display,” Owoyesigire said.
He added that; “After the display ended, a stampede ensued, resulting in the instant deaths of five people and injuries to several others. Emergency responders arrived on the scene and transported the injured individuals to the hospital, where nine were confirmed dead. The bodies have been transferred to City Mortuary Mulago. More information will be made available as it becomes available.”
It should however be noted that although Owoyesigire had earlier on reported five people dead, the death toll later rose and by Monday morning the number had risen to nine victims.
